Searching for a new job isn’t easy, but don't fret. It's easy to learn how to job hunt like an expert to get the results you desire. While every jobseeker is different, and every job search is different, there are many best practices that will help any jobseeker, and you can start by only picking and choosing the ones that make the most sense to you.
Here are the dos and don’ts of job hunting in a quick and straightforward checklist you can print out or copy into your favorite to-do list app:
And here's a more in-depth look at job hunting dos and don'ts.
The Dos
Do have a job search strategy that will dictate how to job hunt for the kind of job you want, where you want, for the sort of employer you want.
Do conduct research in putting together your job search strategy, such as learning about companies that interest you.
Do compile a job skills portfolio, also called a work portfolio, which showcases everything you have to offer a prospective employer by leaning heavily on things you’ve done for past employers.
Do identify your key accomplishments and most valuable skills in your current job market.
Do consider all Web-based job-hunting resources, including general job search sites, industry-specific job sites, geographic-specific job sites, official company sites, social media, forums, etc.
Do learn what are the latest and greatest job search techniques in your industry, especially if this is your first job search in a long time, such as by following job search coaches blogging about how to job hunt.
Do grow your personal brand, through blogging about your profession or by participating in work-related forums or Facebook groups. Doing so will help define you and your value to current and prospective employers.
Do tailor cover letters for every employer by bridging their posted job requirements with your skills and experience.
Do use transferable skills to make your work experience more relevant — especially for recent college grads and career changers
Do devise at least one version of a compelling elevator pitch for job hunting, job fairs and all networking situations, such as parties or local conferences.
Do get favorite bosses’ agreement and contact information before you leave, in building a references document to have ready for recruiters when they ask for it.
Do build professional-looking resumes and cover letters, using action verbs and numbers to quantify your accomplishments. If you don't feel you have strong application materials, consider using a free resume builder.
Do tailor cover letters for every employer by bridging their posted job requirements with your skills and experience. Perusing cover letter examples and cover letter templates can provide guidance.
Do tailor your resume for every employer by emphasizing what you think will impress them most.
Do make sure potential employers can reach you. Provide your cell phone number and email address on your resumes, business cards and in your email signature. And do make sure that your voicemail (or email address) is professional-sounding.
Do follow up on all job leads, and do be persistent. Recruiters are people just like you whose plans can sometimes change. Openings close and sometimes reopen again.
Do know that how to job hunt means knowing how to dress for success, such as at job interviews and networking events.
Do grow your personal brand, through blogging about your profession or by participating in work-related forums or Facebook groups. Doing so will help define you and your value to current and prospective employers.
Do prepare and practice for your job interviews. And do be sure to ask questions at the interview.
Do send thank you letters to all people who interview you. Ideally, mail or deliver handwritten notes for the most impact.
Do take advantage of your friends, family, and colleagues to network, network, network.
Do aim to get multiple job offers from multiple companies so you can negotiate the best fit for you.
Do take some time to review and reflect on your strategy if you have been job hunting for several months and haven't had any success.
The Don'ts
Don’t expect to get a new job overnight; even if you know how to job hunt like a pro, it takes time and patience to get the results you want.
Don’t rely solely on any one method of job hunting, such as spending 8 hours a day online browsing job boards.
Don’t get discouraged if you’ve been fired, laid off or downsized.
Don’t quit your current job until you have a new job – and give proper notice when you do. While resigning, do so with class and appreciation.
Don’t send out any resumes that haven’t been proofread by someone else. At the very least, read them aloud to yourself, which is a simple way of finding typos.
Don’t only rely on passive job hunting methods such as posting your resume online and waiting for recruiters to reach out, or updating social profiles to say “available for full-time employment” without actually doing much social networking.
Don’t wait for companies to make a job offer after job interviews, even if they went well. Some companies take more than two months just to make a hiring decision! Keep moving forward.
How to successfully find the job you want is evolving all the time. How you find and impress employers often depends on trends in your industry, and your willingness to follow through and follow up throughout the process. Keep these dos and don’ts in mind and you’ll be fine.
LiveCareer offers job-seekers tools to succeed at every step of the job hunt journey. If your resume and cover letter writing skills are rusty, consider putting our resume builder and cover letter builder to use.
